NFC in Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: A Complete Guide to Using in 2026

Ever wondered why your Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 could replace a bank card, a door key, or even a business card? It's all about a tiny NFC (Near Field Communication) chip that's hidden inside the case, which allows you to exchange data up to 10 cm without an Internet connection — just bring your smartphone to another device or terminal.

In 2026, the NFC in Redmi Note 9 became even more relevant, with the help of which you can not only pay for purchases (via Google Pay or Mi Pay), but also automate routine tasks (for example, turn on Wi-Fi when you return home), exchange contacts or even manage smart equipment. However, many owners still do not use this module to the full — either because of ignorance of the capabilities or because of fear of setting up. In this article, we will analyze all the functions of NFC in Redmi Note 9, from basic to hidden, with step-by-step instructions and security tips.

What is NFC and why you need it in a smartphone

NFC (Near Field Communication) was developed in 2002, but only became widespread with the advent of contactless payments, and unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, NFC operates at ultra-short distances (up to 10 cm), making it ideal for secure transactions and fast data exchange.

In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, the NFC chip is built into the top of the body (usually next to the camera) and activates automatically when you move to another device.

• ⚡ Instant communication: no need to search for a device in the Bluetooth list or enter passwords.
• 💳 Security: Data is transmitted only at a minimum distance, which protects against interception.
• 🔄 Universality: Works with payment terminals, tags, other smartphones and smart appliances.
• 🔋 Energy efficiency: Minimum battery life (unlike Bluetooth).

While the NFC in Redmi Note 9 supports three modes: active (both devices generate a field), passive (one device reads data from the tag) and card emulation (smartphone acts as a bank card), the latter mode is used for contactless payments.

How to enable NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: step-by-step instructions

By default, the NFC in the Redmi Note 9 is turned off to save battery life. To activate it, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connect and Sharing (or Wireless Networks in older versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on NFC.
4. Transfer the NFC slider to the On position.
5. Optionally: turn on Android Beam (for file transfer) and No sound when paying (so as not to confuse others in the store).

When activated, the N icon will appear in the status bar, which means that the module is ready to go. If the icon is not, check if the NFC is turned off in power saving mode:

• Go to Settings → Battery → Energy Saving Mode.
• Make sure that NFC is not listed on the Suspended Apps list.

If NFC still doesn’t work, try restarting your smartphone or resetting your network settings (Settings → System → Settings Reset → Resetting your Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings). In rare cases, the problem may be in the firmware – upgrade your MIUI to the latest version.

How to Pay for Your NFC Purchase on Redmi Note 9

The most popular feature of NFC is contactless payments, which requires you to link your bank card to one of the payment services, and Redmi Note 9 has two options:

1. Google Pay (works with most Russian banks: Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.).
2. Mi Pay (a service from Xiaomi, supports a limited list of banks, but can be useful for Chinese cards).

Let’s look at the example of Google Pay:

1. Download the Google Pay app from Google Play.
2. Open the app and press Start.
3. Select Add a card and scan it or enter data manually.
4. Confirm the binding via SMS or push notification from the bank.
5. Now, you can pay for it by unlocking your phone (PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID) and bringing it to the terminal 2-5 cm away, so you can wait for the sound or vibration.

Important: To pay through NFC, Redmi Note 9 must be unlocked! If the screen is off, press the power button first or unlock it with your fingerprint.

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If the terminal is not reading the card, try to hold the phone to the other corner of the terminal – sometimes the NFC chip is not in the center.

⚠️ Note: Some banks block payment through the NFC, If you have root on your phone or unlock the bootloader, you'll have to return the phone to factory settings.

Transfer files and contacts over NFC to Redmi Note 9

In addition to payments, NFC allows you to instantly share photos, contacts, links and even apps with other smartphones, using Android Beam technology (in new versions of Android it can be called Quick Transfer or Nearby Share).

How to transfer the file:

1. Enable NFC on both phones (including the recipient’s device).
2. Open the file you want to send (photo, contact, page in the browser).
3. Hold the phones back to each other (NFC chips are usually located at the top).
4. Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the transmission will start automatically.
5. A notification of successful sending will appear on the screen.

To work with labels will need:

1. Buy NFC-tags (costs from 50) ₽ per piece, sold on AliExpress or in electronics stores).
2. Install a programming application, such as: NFC Tools (a simple interface, suitable for beginners), Trigger (advanced automation settings), Tasker (for advanced users).

Example of setting up a tag to turn on Wi-Fi:

1. Open NFC Tools and select Write.
2. Click Add Add Recording → Wi-Fi.
3. Enter your network name and password.
4. Put the phone to the tag, the data will be recorded.
5. Now, when you bring the Redmi Note 9 to this label, Wi-Fi will turn on automatically.

Smart home management via NFC on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

If you have smart appliances (lamps, sockets, thermostats), NFC can be a convenient way to control it, for example, you can program a tag to turn on a “home” scenario: when you hold the phone to the label at the front door, the lights, air conditioning and the kettle will turn on.

This will require:

1. Smart devices with Mi Home or Google Home support
2. Automation application (e.g. Home Assistant or IFTTT)
3. NFC-tag (can be used for the same as other tasks).

Example of settings through Mi Home:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Automation.
2. Create a new scenario, such as the Evening Mode.
3. Add actions: turn on the lamp by 50%, turn off the kettle socket, set the air conditioner temperature at 22 ° C.
4. Select as the trigger NFC-tag and write it down.
5. Place the mark in a convenient place (for example, on the bedside table).

Advantages of such management:

• ⚡ Instantly triggered (unlike voice commands or in-app search).
• 🔒 Safety: the tag can be hidden in an out-of-access place for children.
• 📱 No Internet dependency (scenes are performed locally).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using NFC-tags to control door locks or alarms, do not place them in obvious places (for example, under the door mat.

Hidden NFC features in Redmi Note 9 you didn't know about

In addition to the standard features, the NFC in the Redmi Note 9 hides a few useful features that can simplify everyday tasks:

1. Fast pair with devices: Bring your phone to the Mi Smart Speaker or Xiaomi AirDots headphones – they will automatically connect via Bluetooth without searching in the settings.
2. Reading Products: Some products (such as bottles of wine or medicines) have NFC-You hold up your phone and you'll see a certificate of authenticity.
3. Use as a transport card: In some cities (for example, Moscow or St. Petersburg), you can link Troika or Strelka to the NFC and pay for the fare without getting the card.
4. NFC games: There are board games (such as Skylanders or Amiibo) where figurines interact with a smartphone via NFC. Redmi Note 9 supports such toys.

Another little-known possibility is emulating key cards for intercoms or office doors.

1. Download the NFC ReTag or Mifare Classic Tool.
2. Bring the original card to the phone and copy its data.
3. Store a copy in the memory of the smartphone.
4. The Redmi Note 9 can be used instead of the key.

⚠️ Note: Copying someone else's key cards may be illegal! Use this feature only for your cards (for example, if you lost the original).

FAQ: Frequent questions about NFC in Xiaomi Redmi Note 9